“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galations 6:9

2020 was a global challenge, and I was no exception. This verse became my mantra. Do not give up. Do not become weary. Do good.

Then came 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. These words never left my mind.

Still, why was I growing weary?

Self-doubt crept in. This weariness must be because I’m not trying hard enough, not strong enough, not dedicated enough, not smart enough, not valued enough. I’m just not enough.

And maybe my work wasn’t that good after all – or at least not good enough.

Patients still got sick and still died. Medications still failed at times – some causing more harm than good. Every day there was something new to learn and a method that changed. What was good yesterday is bad today. There were still patients who weren’t convinced they should get cancer screening, stop smoking, or exercise. And, insurance quality goals teetered on numbers determining if we were good doctors or not.

Riding the emotional highs of the good and the lows of the not – is it worth it?

Primary care doctors get a front-row seat to the good that medicine can do. There is no doubt that we are part of patients’ “good” stories. It is a privilege to witness and be part of those journeys, truly! It is so good.

Is this the harvest? Is this the time?

Patience, doctor. You are enough. A harvest is coming and some of it is here now. Goodness. Validation. Affirmation. Peace. Joy.

The interesting thing is, this post is from my perspective over the past 5 years as a primary care physician. Of growing weariness. Of doing good. Of wanting to give up. Of waiting for the harvest. However, this theme has been echoed time and again from others in healthcare, and also from those in education, food service, small business, stay-at-home parents, and on and on.

Teacher, you are enough. Don’t give up. Keep doing good. A harvest is coming.

Coach, you are enough. Don’t give up. Keep doing good. A harvest is coming.

Pastor, you are enough. Don’t give up. Keep doing good. A harvest is coming.

Mom and Dad, you are enough. Don’t give up. Keep doing good. A harvest is coming.

YOU are enough! Don’t give up. Keep doing good. A harvest is coming.

Both weariness and good are all around us. And, if we keep expectantly looking for it, the harvest is there, too. Don’t give up!